DOVER — The Dover Board of Education at its regular meeting Thursday will discuss its next move after voters rejected a proposed mill increase in last week’s special election.

In order to conduct a third and final election on the matter, the district must get approval from the Arkansas Department of Education’s (ADE) Division of Public School Academic Facilities.

In May, the district was awarded nearly $4.5 in state partnership funds for renovations and new construction to the middle school. If there is no progress within 18 months, the state will disburse the money elsewhere.

In September, a proposed 5.5-mill increase was rejected by nearly 68 percent of voters.

After meeting with opponents of the measure and making adjustments, the board voted in October to conduct a special election in February.

During the special election Tuesday, a 3.5-mill increase was voted down, 469 to 431.

Superintendent Jerry Owens said he received a letter Friday from ADE asking to meet and discuss the matter. He said the meeting will take place in about two weeks.

“They’ll address deficiencies,” he said.

ADE officials determined the middle school gymnasium and the upper middle school building are no longer adequate facilities, Owens said.

In November 2012, Andy Branton of the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspected the gymnasium and gave it a negative 47 percent rating. A newly constructed building starts with a 100 percent rating. Branton’s report stated the building “is not suitable in a modern setting.”

Thursday the school board will discuss whether to petition the state for a final election. If the board decides to pursue an election, the final decision will be made the state.